Nice people, but don't count on them if you are new to Canada or want to have a personal life - Testing Specialist II Sun Life Employee Review

1.0
Dec 2, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Financing of Certifications, Conferences and other educational activities - Free breakfast/lunch during quarterly meetings

Cons

- Terrible work-life balance: 1) my boss wouldn't let me use my personal cell phone to text my family, not even during the 30 seconds that it took to walk from my desk to the bathroom - a time when I clearly couldn't be doing work-related stuff. 2) while I was there, their working-from-home policy got more and more strict. People who used to work from home 2x/week (because they lived far away) were called to work in the office 5x/week. 3) You get 10 days vacation and it only goes up to 12 days after you've worked with them for 2 years. - If you're an immigrant, don't expect them to help you fit in the Canadian work culture. No one ever told me if or what I was doing wrong, how I needed to act, if I should change, etc. - There is no knowledge sharing culture. They have people who are specialists in each area or system, and nothing is written down. Only one person knows the information about one system. If the specialist goes on vacation and you need information about that system, too bad for you. You have to wait for that person to come back (and meanwhile you get 2 weeks behind your schedule).

Explore other reviews about Sun Life

5.0
Oct 28, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Work Life Balance, Salary, Benefits

Cons

Communication channels are ineffective at times.

2.0
Jun 25, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Sun Life provides competitive benefits, remote work opportunities, and the chance to work alongside knowledgeable professionals. The company offers strong learning opportunities within the disability and leave management space.

Cons

Staffing reductions and increasing workloads have made it difficult for some teams to maintain service levels while preserving employee well-being. Leadership communication and support can vary by department.

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